Biology

Why Choose Nazareth for Biology?

Since Anton van Leeuwenhoek first observed the microorganism in the 17th century, biology has played a role in some of the greatest discoveries in history. Today, the field is multidimensional, offering promising careers in medicine, ecology, agriculture, sports fitness, genetics, research, biotechnology, and industry, to name a few. The study of life on earth is as varied as life itself.

At Nazareth College, students are mentored by biologists who assist them in the understanding of biology's basic principles, discoveries, and theories. They learn how to develop the habits of a biologist—accurate observation, measurement, and analysis. Students are also encouraged to think independently, and learning becomes less structured as they progress through the program.

All biology majors participate in independent research as a capstone project, and many students do field work and internships. For example, a pre-medical student recently completed an internship in Berlin, Germany working at a center on epilepsy research.

Program Highlights

An award-winning faculty, including recent recipients of National Science Foundation grants to study plant growth and to purchase state-of-the-art physiology equipment.

State-of-the-art technology at our new Peckham Hall, including PCR and electrophoretic equipment, digital imaging, and GPS systems. Nazareth's facilities rank among the top 20 science labs in the nation, according to The Princeton Review's 2017 college guide, The Best 381 Colleges.

Special community projects and partnerships such as Science Days at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, the Science Olympiad at local schools, internships to study abroad, and the Nazareth College greenhouse.

Excellent pre-medical, pre-veterinary, and pre-dental programs. Students in Nazareth's biology degree program go on to graduate school, or immediately begin careers in science teaching, laboratory research, or industry.

Related majors

Contact Information

Carol E. Roote

Education: Ph.D., University of Rochester (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology); M.S., University of Rochester (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology); B.S., Grove City College (Biology)

Teaching and Research Interests: Developmental biology, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics. Currently, I am interested in the role of the cytoskeleton during development of the nematode worm, Caenorhabditis elegans. I am studying tubulin proteins (which make up microbubules) that are specifically expressed in the intestine of the worms. I look at worms that are mutant for particular tubulin genes to see what goes wrong in their absence to try to understand what these tubulins are doing normally in the intestines of the worms.

Alumni Spotlight: Max Randolph '16

Max Randolph ‘16 landed his post-Naz goal: Going to Cornell’s vet school, ranked top in the nation. “I feel very prepared, from my classes and from my experiences,” says Randolph, a biology major with minors in chemistry and pre-veterinary studies. Lab classes capped at 16 students gave him hands-on experiences, even using sophisticated equipment such as a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. His advisor’s encouragement led him to a zoo internship that led to research with a Cornell veterinarian. “Your professors know you and know what you’re interested in.”

Example Careers

Biologist

M.D., D.V.M., D.D.S., D.O.

Environmental analyst

Forensic pathologist

Geneticist

Toxicologist

Undergraduate Research Topics

Cell structure and function, both 2D and 3D microscopy

Bioinformatics

Toxicology and phytoremediation

Animal energetics and digestive function

Animal developmental biology

Stream ecology and GPS

Graduate Schools/Employers

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine

Strong Memorial Hospital

University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine

Washington VA Medical Center

Partnership with New York Chiropractic College

Students have the opportunity to receive guaranteed admission to NYCC and a $1,500 merit scholarship. Learn more »